Jobless in Seattle(Linda McMann) Her portfolio was heavy. Gretta scrounged in her purse for the change to store her burden in a locker until her meeting with Mr. Stanley. She needed time to decide whether to continue with the current plan.

Gretta looked around the Seattle train station and marveled at the bustling mass of humanity. Seattle seemed big, fast paced, and scary, but she needed a job. She had graduated at the top of her class in Visual Communications. Although it was an up and coming design career, there were few jobs available for new graduates, especially in her small hometown.

She sent her resume to major companies in all the big west coast cities. Today she was in Seattle for her first interview. She arrived with her back pack and heavy portfolio and was now sitting in the train station deciding her next move.

Mr. Stanley had called to set up her interview. “I was impressed with your resume and college activities. I would like to review your portfolio with you on Wednesday at 2:00PM. We have a new position that might be suited for your skills and a mentor who would help you develop this new area.”

She glanced up as a young man with dark hair and gorgeous dimples walked through the train station. He lifted his hand in a friendly wave as he walked out the door and she returned his wave. They had been traveling in the same car and she had caught him looking at her a number of times during the trip.

When she needed a coffee infusion, she had made her way to the canteen car. He was just behind her and had reached out to steady her when the train lurched sideways and she momentarily lost balance. Her heart jumped wildly when he flashed his dimples and said hi. But he had paid for his coffee and returned to his seat and his computer. During the rest of the trip they had looked up a number of times and exchanged smiles.

Gretta located a kiosk with a city walking map and made her morning plans. She wandered along the waterfront and tried to imagine herself living in Seattle. Her parents had hoped she would stay closer to them. But the city was showing off its charm today and she loved it. “I can do this,” she repeated to herself.

Her new plan was to take one step at a time and the first step was this job interview. She hurried back to the train station, retrieved her portfolio, and transformed herself into the ideal new hire.

At 2:00PM, she presented herself to the friendly receptionist at Mr. Stanley’s office and was escorted into a small meeting room. A moment later a well-dressed older gentleman entered. He extended his hand as he said, “I’m Gordon Stanley, Miss Matthews. I’m delighted to make your acquaintance. My son will join us momentarily. He’s the one with the idea for this new department and will be guiding its development. I’d like him to explain the details to you.”

“Thank you for this interview opportunity, Mr. Stanley,” she said as she removed her portfolio from its case. The door opened and she looked up in amazement. “It’s you,” they said in unison. The handsome young man she had traveled with on the train sat down at the table and leaned forward, taking her hand.

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